Many people are now traveling overseas to have a tummy tuck operation. Many companies are now offering combined packages which make this growing trend similar to booking a vacation.

Before deciding on this option it is probably best to mull over some of the following facts and be ready to find the answers to questions you may have about having cosmetic surgery abroad. Patients who are thinking of having a tummy tuck or any other surgical procedure overseas need to have the right facts before making a choice.

There are many outstanding cosmetic surgeons available worldwide.

Having surgery abroad requires you to do your research meticulously to acquire the facts you need to make an informed choice of surgeon. Anyone considering the prospect of undergoing surgery abroad should think about creating a rapport with a plastic surgeon that is certified by the relevant authorities before leaving This is necessary should any complications arise once you return home, a qualified surgeon will be able to take over the procedure where another left off and help you realize your aims.

The proceeding questions are some you might wish to make use off when consulting with a surgeon; you should seek the answers to these questions before leaving for surgery. How will you feel with a surgeon that you haven't met before? Would you feel comfortable in a surgical facility that you have never been to previously? Would affect whether or not you wanted to go ahead with the surgery? It is a fact that a patient-doctor partnership that is successful is built on mutual confidence and trust, and should not be clouded by the savings that can be made by traveling abroad for the surgery it is important that you feel fully relaxed with the surgeon you choose to provide your care.

Are there any risks associated long flights and any other travel before and after surgery?

Will the traveling have any implications on the outcome of my surgery?

Would you be required to stay longer because of the potential risk of post-surgical deep vein thrombosis (DVT) before being allowed home? You should find out if the risk of DVT is increased in your legs after surgery by air travel, Pulmonary embolism (blood clots in the lungs) is possibly another complication which again may be increased by air travel after surgery.

How qualified is the surgeon? Make sure the surgeon has the relevant qualifications and experience to perform the requested procedure and he is recognized by the governing body

Can the surgeon show you proof of certification? Should complications arise what would happen? Find out who would be responsible for any extra care required and who is responsible for any subsequent financial extras. Check with a local Board Certified Plastic Surgeon before making the trip to see if they will perform you post op care when you return.

If you are not satisfied with the results or feel the surgeon has been negligent, how could you pursue this? Ask the doctor what liability coverage he has and find out what the relevant countries laws are regarding medical malpractice? Do the anesthesia and nursing care meet the required standards? Do all the providers have the correct credentials and how good is the standard? Should complications arise is there an emergency hospital close by? Is it a modern facility that is fully licensed? If complications arise which doctor will care for you when you return home? What do surgeons recommend regarding aftercare? How long would you have to stay after surgery? Who will care for you directly after your surgery? Do you know the cost of any post-op care?

Do the surgeons team and administration staff speak fluent English? You should consider very carefully all the factors that will contribute to the overall cost of your cosmetic surgery procedure, these will include any leave from employment, air travel, accommodation, revised surgical fees, any potential medical costs should complications arise.

Tummy tuck surgery is a major operation opting to have this or any other cosmetic surgery abroad can be a fulfilling experience and help you to achieve your goal, but you must do you research and ask enough questions to satisfy yourself that you are making the right choice by having your surgery performed abroad.